Topic > Advantages and disadvantages of numerical assessment...

Do children from wealthier economic backgrounds have an advantage for a better education? Students with financial means have the opportunity to benefit from resources such as tutors, consultants and tuition centers to strengthen and broaden their educational knowledge and skills. These children are exposed to cultural events and educational experiences outside of school. Less fortunate students usually do not have equal opportunities beyond school hours or take advantage of available programs. Parents with little education or language barriers are often too intimidated to commit to their children's education. These children rely solely on their classroom teachers to provide all the necessary information and educational experiences. Many of these students come from cultures where school does not matter because attendance is not mandatory. This creates a system that unfairly puts one group of students at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other districts. As a result, it is biased to determine college acceptances based on a numerical grading system and standardized test scores. While the traditional numerical grading system is not an indicator of any student's growth, it is even more unfair to children in high poverty.